The Andover Christmas Festival has become one of the town’s most anticipated annual events, bringing people together and showcasing the very best of local talent, businesses, and festive cheer. For many families, it has become a cherished tradition that marks the start of the holiday season, creating lasting memories. For local businesses, it is one of the busiest and most rewarding nights of the year.
This year’s festival took place on a cold, crisp November evening, filling the town with warmth and joy. Since 2022, the event has grown beyond the traditional Christmas Lights switch-on, expanding into different areas of Andover and staggering the entertainment to support more businesses and spread out the crowds. At a time when many towns are scaling back their festive celebrations due to budget pressures and overcrowding, Andover is proud to continue offering a vibrant, inclusive event that serves the whole community.
Organised by Test Valley Borough Council, Andover BID, and Andover Town Council, generously sponsored by Collecteebles and David Mellor Family Jewellers and proudly supported by Andover Radio & Love Andover, the festival once again marked the official start of Christmas in Andover.
The Guildhall stage hosted an exciting line-up of local performers, including Andover Youth Dance Co, Burdock Valley Players, and Breakthrough Chapel. The Christmas lights were officially switched on by the Mayor of Andover, Councillor Heather Neate, Father Christmas and the winners of the David Mellor Big & Little Stars Poetry Competition. The evening concluded with high-energy performances from headliners Torn Off Strips and Swan Samba, leaving the crowd buzzing.
The much-loved Christmas market returned with over 20 stalls from local artisan businesses, offering unique gifts and festive treats. DJ Chris Burford kept the atmosphere lively with seasonal tunes, while walkabout entertainer Chris Welford wowed audiences with hourly Glo Juggling shows. The Bridge Street Methodist Church provided a welcoming refuge from the cold, serving mince pies and hot drinks to visitors, whilst Andover Community Events provided an opportunity to meet Santa and pose for a photo in his sleigh.
As visitors made their way up Riverside Park towards the rest of the entertainment they were guided by strings of glowing lanterns which had been pre-decorated by members of the community at pop up events with Chapel Arts Studios earlier in the month.
A brand-new street food and drink area, complete with funfair rides, was introduced at Town Mills car park and proved to be a huge hit with families and visitors throughout the evening.
The second stage in Pocket Park offered family-friendly fun, featuring Merry Go Round Storytelling, the Mad Melodies Children’s Choir, and the crowd-pleasing Disco Dion’s Snow Party, where a snow machine delighted dancers of all ages. Adding a touch of theatrical flair, the WICKED witches made a special appearance, posing for selfies with families in celebration of the blockbuster film’s release.
The Chantry Centre was full of family entertainment, including free face painting, a magician, and the opening night of Santa’s Post Office. Shoppers and visitors enjoyed live music from Test Valley Brass and the Little Big Band, creating a joyful soundtrack to late-night shopping.
The Andover Christmas Festival is more than just an event, it is a celebration of our community, creativity, and local pride. By expanding across the town, it supports businesses, entertains families, and ensures that everyone can share in the festive joy by spreading out the crowds. Thanks to the dedication of organisers and sponsors, Andover continues to shine brightly at Christmas, offering an unforgettable start to the season for residents and visitors alike.
